Interview with James W. Dinkle, December 1, 2017

Partial Transcript: So, Jim, painting with broad strokes, tell us about yourself and early memories.

Segment Synopsis: James "Jim" Dinkle is introduced and gives a brief explanation of his life from his birth in Ashland, Kentucky, his childhood in Frankfort, and his career in politics.

Keywords: Careers; Chicago (Ill.); Fathers; Governor Wallace Wilkinson; Maine; Mayor Richard M. Dailey; Moving; Redevelopment; Student government; Telecommunications; Travel; University of Kentucky; Versailles (Ky.)

Subjects: Ashland (Ky.); Childhood; Families.; Frankfort (Ky.); Occupations

Partial Transcript: So we know that for many LGBTQ individuals the first time that someone comes out is a significant life milestone.

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about his experience of discovering his sexuality and coming out. He talks about how he was affected by living in a conservative environment, especially in high school. He talks about an attempt to create an LGBT organization on the University of Kentucky campus in the early 1980s.

Keywords: Acceptance; Bomb threats; Chicago (Ill.); Childhood; Colleges; Conservative community; Freedom; Gay; Gradual; High schools; Identity; Kentucky; Partners; Rural community; Student government; Student organizations; Taboo; University of Kentucky

Subjects: Coming out (Sexual orientation); Gay men--Identity.; Gays--Identity.; Homosexuality--Social aspects.; Sexual minorities--Identity.

Partial Transcript: So you've, you've mentioned a little bit about, um, the significant impact you had as a, a member of the Board of Trustees and Student Body President.

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about his role at the University of Kentucky as the Student Body President and a student member of the Board of Trustees. He talks about places in Lexington, Kentucky that he felt were accepting of LGBTQ people, as well as the fears he felt about coming out.

Keywords: 1982; Acceptance; Board of Trustees; Campus; Careers; Careful; Faith; Families; Fears; Fraternities; Gay bars; Home; Hunter Presbyterian Church; Kentucky; LGBTQ centers; Office of LGBTQ* Resources; Organizations; Parents; Sexual harassment policies; Student body presidents; Tolerant; Welcoming; Young people

Subjects: College environment; College students--Social conditions; Coming out (Sexual orientation); Gay community; Homosexuality--Social aspects.; Lexington (Ky.).; Religion; Sexual minority students.; University of Kentucky

Partial Transcript: So can you tell us a bit about, um, the year you graduated from UK and what you did in the, the decade or so following that graduation?

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about his role at the University of Kentucky as a student member of the Board of Trustees and how he was influenced by fellow member Bill Sturgill.

Keywords: Agendas; Bill Sturgill; Board of Trustees; Chairman; Environment; Graduation; Integrity; Mining; Respect; Robinson Forest; Student body presidents

Subjects: Coal mines and mining--Environmental aspects; College administrators; College environment; College student government; Universities and colleges--Administration.; University of Kentucky

Partial Transcript: So can you tell us, uh, a bit more about what you're up to now?

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about living in Maine, his current job, and his feelings on the LGBTQ center at the University of Kentucky.

Keywords: Careers; Commerce and technology parks; Kentucky; LGBTQ centers; Legacy; Maine; Moving; Office of LGBTQ* Resources; Redevelopment; Travel

Subjects: Gay community; Homosexuality--Social aspects.; Occupations

Partial Transcript: And, uh, it's fascinating to me to come to UK today in 2017 and reflect back on what it looked like...

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about how the University of Kentucky campus has changed since he was a student, as well as since his grandfather was a student. he talks about his grandfather as a lawyer and his influence on Dinkle's interest in ethics.

Keywords: Changes; Ethics; Grandfathers; Law schools; Politics; Retirement; Visits

Subjects: Campus visits; College campuses.; University of Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Um, so as, as we wrap up, um, what, what do you wish we'd asked or what do you want to, uh, to share that we haven't touched on?

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about how he and his family were personally impacted by the AIDS epidemic.

Keywords: AIDS Quilt; AIDS epidemic; Coming out (Sexual orientation); Cousins; Family life; Kentucky governor's office; Quarantine

Subjects: AIDS (Disease); Families.; HIV infections

Partial Transcript: The only other things I, I would add is just to share a story with you if you don't mind.

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks about his parents' views on LGBTQ issues. He talks about how society's opinions have changed regarding LGBTQ people since his childhood.

Keywords: Acceptance; Alone; Bar scene; Community; Fathers; High schools; LGBTQ centers; Lifestyles; Limited; Mothers; Neighbors; Office of LGBTQ* Resources; Parents; Prejudice; Progress; Taboo; Transgender community; Versailles (Ky.)

Subjects: Families.; Gay community; Gay rights movement; Gay rights--United States.; Gay rights.; Homosexuality--Social aspects.; Sexual minorities.

Partial Transcript: But again I, I--again when I was talking about Bill Sturgill earlier I don't mean to get emotional.

Segment Synopsis: Dinkle talks more about his role at the University of Kentucky as the Student Body President and a student member of the Board of Trustees. He talks about some of the Board's members. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Bill Sturgill; Board members; Board of Trustees; Diverse; Integrity; President Otis Singletary; Progressive; Student body presidents; Sturgill Center

Subjects: College administrators; College environment; College student government; Universities and colleges--Administration.; University of Kentucky